BNSHS Newsletter December 9th

From the Principal's office

What a year it has been.  This is our final newsletter for 2020 and I want to thank you all for your support and ability to adapt to the many changes and challenges that we have faced this year.

This week all Year 7-11 students will receive their Semester 2 report emailed and available on QParents.  Please take the time to check your son/daughter’s report with them.  If there are any concerns in Year 10 or 11 about subject selections for 2021 please ensure that you contact the office in the week of 18 – 22 January so that any changes can be organised before school starting on January 27.

Year 12 results will be released on 19 December via the QCAA portal.  Year 12s have been given details about how to access their results.  Reminder that students requiring assistance post year 12 about engaging in employment should contact Bec Egan at ‘Link and Launch’.  Students have details about this.

Last week we received some outstanding results – being the overall winner of the ATSIAP challenge for 2021.  Congratulations to the 3 year 7 and 8 students (Bianca, Corey and Paige) and their coach Mr Williams.

Thank you to the parents who have sent in questions about the new ‘Friday 5’ timetable changes for 2021.  Most feedback has been positive and supportive of the new model.  The common questions have been around the bus transport and we totally understand this.  We have been waiting to hear back from Translink and have just received word back this week that the bus runs will remain as normal and that they are unable to make any changes to allow for early bus pick ups.  With that information, we now ask that you consider whether your child can or cannot be collected at 1.10pm each Friday.  Students who remain at school will be supervised for Friday 5.  We will be sending out information for you to register your child/children in the week of 18-22 January.   We are proceeding with the organisation of the Friday 5 model and will be sending out further details.  Once again, thank you to those who have provided feedback.  We are excited to trial this new model in 2021 with the aim to improve student outcomes across all curriculum areas. 

Finally, I would like to wish you all a very safe and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to seeing you in the new year.  Take care.

Robyn

I.T.'s a happening thing

No, this article has nothing to do with The Peanut Butter Conspiracy’s biggest music hit in the 1960’s (though it was a pretty cool decade).  This article is all about the interesting/groovy activities that happened in our Information Technology classes this term. We made good use of the hip new technology that the school has purchased and are using it to help meet the content requirements of the new Australian Curriculum.

The year 7 and year 8 classes have been making an app which provides links to fab recipes based on the classes favourite meals. They have also been working on an Introduction to Coding unit using the Grok Learning platform. This has involved them learning how to code using Python, which is one of the most popular coding programs in the world. They have also used code to make a neato piano with the Makey Makey sets and made, and coded, electronic circuits using Arduino and the Sparkfun electronic sets. The students produced electronic notice boards and made electronic games that tested their memory skills.

The year 9’s have been using Adobe Premier Pro to make a movie promoting the school. They were stoked to use the schools GoPro cameras to take 360-degree footage of the school and compiling it into a format which they can watch using the schools VR computer and headsets. They also created a quiz with Python code and investigated the use of computer games as a tool for learning.

In grade 11 ICJ the students made object oriented games using a variety of game making programs. They had a blast researching/playing a variety of games and used this knowledge to develop their game. In addition, they helped to produce a 360-degree movie of the year 12 Prom. It was shown at lunch in the library and many students experienced the 360-degree experience for the first time. All agreed the event was righteous.

As you can see, the work done by our students has been outta sight. The Dudes and Dudettes doing IT next year have a lot to look forward to including some pretty keen new IT teachers. It’s gonna be a gas!

Mr Newell, IT Teacher

Year 8 students 'immersed'

The year 8 cohort was engaged in the first “Year 8 Immerse Day” where representatives from the Bundaberg Regional Council, CQUniversity Australia and Queensland Computers facilitated a STEM/Engineering day where students were tasked with building a bridge that complies with design, cost and environmental impact constraints. The students in groups took on different roles for the day and it culminated in the presentation and testing phase. Everyone involved had a great time and we are looking forward to continuing our relationship with these organisations.

Fast and furious

Our Design & Technology classrooms (DAT09) turn into Fast and Furious workshops with students busy designing, making and testing prototypes to manufacture the best CO2 Dragsters. The students were asked to complete a vital research and development booklet, which included studies of design features and specifications, aerodynamics, finishing techniques and most importantly, the development concept drawings for their final car design.

Race Day. The speeds of CO2 dragsters were very competitive, some reached under a second for the 20 meters track. Mr. Metz and myself were thrilled with the student’s progress and the enthusiasm for this design-based project. It was great to see the wealth of designing ability we have at Bundaberg North SHS.

I would like to thank Mrs. Jensen and Mr. Watton who assisted in the judging of the dragsters on their designs, craftsmanship, appearance.

This process took the students eight weeks to shape and finish their dragsters; it was then racing time!

• 1^st   Place         Jahvin - 0.963 Sec / 20 metres
• 2^nd Place         Talon  - 1.073 Sec / 20 meters
• Judges choice (best looking) award went to Nikkita and Will.

The students thoroughly enjoyed this technology project and were amazed by the speeds of their dragsters.

Mr Holledge, Industrial Technology                                                                                                                            

Living the 'lifestyle'

The year 9 lifestyle classes had a very interesting and enjoyable unit this term. The two year 9 classes completed an assignment about healthy eating choices and how to follow the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE). The aim of the assignment was for students to design a meal suitable for a sports event by following a design process. The food had to be appealing to our classmates as well as follow the AGHE. The AGHE is a guideline for people to follow so that they can eat healthy. The guideline includes a graph of proportion amounts for different food categories that you should be consuming in a meal - grains, lean meat, vegetables, fruit, and dairy. Many of the students were very successful with their assignments and we had a variety of foods made throughout the class such as sushi, burgers, salads, wraps and stir fry. Overall, the students learnt skills on how to create a healthy meal by following the AGHE, they learnt different cooking techniques, and the meals were very appealing and delicious. 

- Chanel, Year 9 Lifestyle student

The gift of generosity at Christmas

The North High school community rallied together once again to share their support of one another in our Christmas appeal.  RAS classes collected donations from students and made up hampers to give to those less fortunate.  Our annual appeal was a huge success once again and was gratefully received by the Salvation Army when they were presented on Parade last month.  

Thank you once again to all families that contributed and on behalf of the school I’d like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas – it will be well deserved.

Mr Shield, Head of Department, Senior School

Flexi students celebrate

Last Friday we presented our Year 8 Flexi students with their certificate of completion.  This semester, 9 students have been part of the program in the newly established FlexiSpace.  Thank you to Mr Agius and Mrs Thornton who have been supporting the students throughout the semester and working on improving outcomes. 

This year our Flexi program operated for the first time and for the majority of the year without the FlexiSpace facility.  We have reviewed the program structure and made some changes for 2021.  Next year our Flexi we will be welcoming 15 new year 8 students into the program.  Students will be studying English, Humanities, Maths and Science in the FlexiSpace.  Parents and students were invited to an information session last week.  We look forward to seeing the new Flexi students working toward achieving goals for success. 

Mrs Thornton, Flexi Teacher

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

Bundaberg North State High School is a BYOD school with an expectation that every student will bring a device to school that meets the minimum specification to enhance their learning.  Information about the program, including device minimum specifications, choosing a device, preparing the device for school, and accessing Office 365 can be found on the school web site at https://bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au/facilities/computers-and-technology .

Students who attended Bundaberg North SHS during 2020 and have enrolled their device at school (is configured to connect to the school network EQNET), have already prepared their device for the 2021 school year.

Previous students who have not enrolled their device at school (is not configured to connect to the school network EQNET) should follow the video guides and other instructions on the school web site under the heading “Connecting to the school network” to prepare their device for the this school year.

New students to the school will be provided with instructions on preparing devices for school during week 1 and 2 of term 1.  This is to allow time for the school to complete the creation of the new student’s computer login accounts.

If you require assistance with your student’s device, please submit your request using the IT-Support request form on the school web site at https://bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au/SupportAndResources/FormsAndDocuments/Pages/IT-Support-request.aspx .   

Watton's wonderful woodwork

Academy Awards

A big congratulations to the winners of Girls Academy Awards who were presented last Tuesday the 24^th November.

On behalf of the Girls Academy Staff we would like to thank all of our students, parents, teachers, staff and community for their continued support for our program throughout 2020 and we look forward to another successful year in 2021.

Girls Academy awards 2020

From the library...

School Savvy is back for 2021

From January 11, the School Savvy pop-up shop will open in Bundaberg. Students from families facing financial struggles will be able to access pre-loved uniforms and essential stationery supplies to prepare them for new school year.

Uniform and stationery donations can be taken to any donation drop off point across the region, with many convenient locations available. For a current list of donation points in your area, visit www.centacarecq.com/donationpoints.

Support your local community and make a difference in a student’s life.  

Talking families....

Important dates